US4382414A - Steel pallet construction - Google Patents

Steel pallet construction Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US4382414A
US4382414A US06/032,743 US3274379A US4382414A US 4382414 A US4382414 A US 4382414A US 3274379 A US3274379 A US 3274379A US 4382414 A US4382414 A US 4382414A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
extending
members
deck
clip
inwardly
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US06/032,743
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Ferdinand M. Svirklys
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US4382414A publication Critical patent/US4382414A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D19/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D19/0004—Rigid pallets without side walls
    • B65D19/0053—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of more than one element
    • B65D19/0077—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of more than one element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces
    • B65D19/0089—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of more than one element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces the base surface being made of more than one element
    • B65D19/0093—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of more than one element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces the base surface being made of more than one element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces
    • B65D19/0095—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of more than one element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces the base surface being made of more than one element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces and each contact surface having a stringer-like shape
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D19/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D19/0004—Rigid pallets without side walls
    • B65D19/0053—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of more than one element
    • B65D19/0077—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of more than one element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces
    • B65D19/0089—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of more than one element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces the base surface being made of more than one element
    • B65D19/0093—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of more than one element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces the base surface being made of more than one element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces
    • B65D19/0097—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of more than one element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces the base surface being made of more than one element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces and each contact surface having a discrete foot-like shape
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00009—Materials
    • B65D2519/00014—Materials for the load supporting surface
    • B65D2519/00024—Metal
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00009—Materials
    • B65D2519/00049—Materials for the base surface
    • B65D2519/00059—Metal
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00009—Materials
    • B65D2519/00084—Materials for the non-integral separating spacer
    • B65D2519/00094—Metal
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00283—Overall construction of the load supporting surface
    • B65D2519/00293—Overall construction of the load supporting surface made of more than one piece
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00283—Overall construction of the load supporting surface
    • B65D2519/00298—Overall construction of the load supporting surface skeleton type
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00313—Overall construction of the base surface
    • B65D2519/00323—Overall construction of the base surface made of more than one piece
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00313—Overall construction of the base surface
    • B65D2519/00328—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base
    • B65D2519/00333—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base contact surface having a stringer-like shape
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00313—Overall construction of the base surface
    • B65D2519/00328—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base
    • B65D2519/00338—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base contact surface having a discrete foot-like shape
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00368—Overall construction of the non-integral separating spacer
    • B65D2519/00373—Overall construction of the non-integral separating spacer whereby at least one spacer is made of one piece
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00547—Connections
    • B65D2519/00552—Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer
    • B65D2519/00572—Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer with separate auxiliary element, e.g. screws, nails, bayonets
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/30—Trim molding fastener
    • Y10T24/304—Resilient metal type
    • Y10T24/306—Strip formed
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/30—Trim molding fastener
    • Y10T24/304—Resilient metal type
    • Y10T24/307—Sheet metal formed
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T403/00—Joints and connections
    • Y10T403/60—Biased catch or latch
    • Y10T403/602—Biased catch or latch by separate spring

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to pallets.
  • Pallets constructed of steel have considerable advantages in that they exhibit substantially constant dimension and substantially constant weight, rendering them of considerable utility in high rise storage systems and automated systems, and have considerable durability and weather resistance.
  • Steel pallets are non-combustible, in contrast to wood, and are lighter than wood for the same dimensions. Wood is also disadvantageous in that it absorbs moisture and is subject to degradation. Steel is also attractive as a material of construction, in that it is relatively inexpensive when compared with aluminum and plastic.
  • the present invention is primarily concerned with a steel pallet construction in which the elements are readily formed by suitable metal forming techniques, preferably roll forming, and may be rapidly interconnected using uniquely-constructed one-piece spring clips.
  • suitable metal forming techniques preferably roll forming
  • the unique constructional features may be used in other assemblies and with pallets formed of other materials of construction.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a single-deck 4-way steel pallet constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a close-up exploded view of the interlocking of the stringer and deck elements of the pallet structure of FIG. 1 along with details of the structure of the interconnecting clips;
  • FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line III--III of FIG. 2 in a disassembled position
  • FIG. 4 is the same sectional view as FIG. 3 but in an assembled position
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a double-deck 4-way steel pallet constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a close-up detail view of the interlocking of the elements of the pallet structure of FIG. 5 along with details of the structure of the interlocking clips;
  • FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view of the assembled pallet taken along line VII-13 VII of FIG. 5;
  • FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 are respectively perspective, elevation and end views of the clips used in the pallet structure of FIGS. 5 to 7.
  • a pallet 10 constructed of, preferably light gauge, steel, preferably corrosion resistant steel, for example, galvanized steel, includes three elongate hollow members or stringer elements 12 and a plurality of deck-forming elongate roll-formed elements 14 joined to the upper surface 16 of the stringer elements 12 at each intersection thereof and spaced apart in relation to each other and generally perpendicular to the stringer elements 12.
  • the deck-forming elements 14 cooperate to provide a load-carrying deck on the top side of the pallet 10.
  • the stringer elements 12 may be formed by welding together roll-formed parts.
  • the numbers of stringer elements 12 and deck-board elements 14 in the structure of FIGS. 1 to 4 is also illustravtive and the numbers may be varied as desired, depending on the overall dimensions of the pallet.
  • FIGS. 1 to 4 are described particularly with reference to the pallet parts being constructed of light gauge steel by roll-forming, the principles of construction outlined herein may be applied to pallet parts constructed of heavy gauge steel or any other convenient material of construction, such as, aluminum, and may be formed by any other convenient fabrication technique, such as, extrusion.
  • the stringer elements 12 are provided with an elongate slot 18 or 20, formed in the upper surface 16 of the stringer element.
  • the deck-forming elements 14 have a generally castellated structure which includes first and second elongate parallel coplanar elements 22 and 24 which are joined by an integral member defining a channel 26 therebetween and including an elongate portion 28 situated in a plane parallel to the coplanar elements 22 and 24 and adapted to engage the upper surface 16 of the stringer element 12 and first and second upright elements 30 and 32 integrally joining the elongate portion 28 and the coplanar elements 22 and 24.
  • the deck-forming elements 14 also include integral skirt portions 34 and 36 depending from the coplanar elements 22 and 24 respectively, generally perpendicularly thereto at the sides of the deck-forming members 14 for a distance substantially equal to the depth of the channel 26.
  • the castellated structure described and illustrated for the deck-forming elements 14 represents a preferred structure for steel parts owing to the ease of roll-forming that structure.
  • the deck-forming elements 14 may have a wholly planar top surface with one or more webs depending therefrom into engagement with the surface 16 of the stringer element 12, such as is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,077,334.
  • each skirt portion 34 and 36 are integrally-formed flanges 38 and 40 respectively, the flanges extending the length of the skirt portions and being inwardly-directed coplanarly with the elongate portion 28.
  • the inwardly-directed flanges 38 and 40 define panels for engagement with the upper surface 16 of the stringer element 12.
  • the panels defined by flanges 38 and 40 are provided with an elongate slot 42 and a parallel cut-away notch 44.
  • the parallel cut-away notch 44 may be replaced by a second parallel elongate slot or the slot 42 may be moved closer to the edge of the flange 38 or 40 and the cut-away notch 44 eliminated.
  • the slot 42 and notch 44 are provided to receive portions of a unitary clip element 46 for the purpose of mounting the same on the deck-forming element 14.
  • the clip element 46 constructed of suitable resilient material, preferably spring steel, has a generally U-shaped body 48 and a pair of oppositely-facing jaws 50 located at the upper extremities of the body 48 for gripping the elongate metal strip 52 between the slot 42 and the cut-away notch 44 to hold the clip element 46 to the flange element 38 or 40.
  • the strip 52 is of a substantially constant width.
  • Arms 47 of the U-shaped body 48 converge towards the upper end when the clip element is in its rest or non-deformed position as seen in FIG. 2, but are generally parallel to each other when mounted to the flanges 38 and 40 to add to the resiliency of the grip mounting of the clip element 46 on the deck-forming element 14.
  • the arms of the U-shaped body 48 are each provided with a cantilevered wing element, or ramp element, 54 which diverges outwardly from the contour of the respective body arm 47 in the direction away from the U-bend or bight portion of the body 48 and then turns inwardly from a shoulder 55 at an outer extremity towards the jaw flange 50.
  • a cantilevered wing element, or ramp element, 54 which diverges outwardly from the contour of the respective body arm 47 in the direction away from the U-bend or bight portion of the body 48 and then turns inwardly from a shoulder 55 at an outer extremity towards the jaw flange 50.
  • the distance between the shoulder 55 of the ramp element 54 and the lower surface 56 of the lower flange of the jaw element 50 is preferably somewhat greater than the thickness of the upper surface 16 of the stringer element 12.
  • the distance between the free end of the ramp element 54 and the surface 56 is somewhat less than the thickness of the upper surface 16 of the stringer element 12.
  • assembly of the stringer element 12 and the deck-forming element 14 at each intersection of the pallet is achieved by inserting the lower U-bend or bight portion of the body member 48 of the clip member 46 into the respective elongate opening 18 or 20 in the stringer element 12, and pushing the deck-forming element 14 down so that the side edges of the opening 18 or 20 engage the wing or ramp elements 54 resiliently forcing them inwardly towards the remainder of the body member 48 until the side edges of the opening 18 or 20 clear the shoulder portion of the ramp element 54, which then resiliently snaps back towards its original position (see FIG. 4) preventing removal of the clip member 46 from the respective opening 18 or 20.
  • the wing or ramp member 54 may be provided with a locking tab or the like to permanently mount a stringer element to a deck member.
  • the interengagement of the clips 46 with the openings 18 and 20 not only results in a sturdy assembly but also prevents longitudinal movement of the deck-forming elements 14 transverse to the stringer elements 12. Further, the interengagement of the clips 46 with the slots 18 and 20 allows a predetermined degree of resilient freedom of the deck element relative to the stringer element 12 in the direction of the axis of the stringer elements 12 but prevents such movement beyond the point when the side walls of the slots 18 or 20 engage the body portion 48 of the clip 46.
  • the transverse distance between the side walls 47 of the clip 46, when the clip 46 is assembled to the deck member 14, is substantially fixed while the transverse distance between the shoulders 55 of the ramp elements 54 is relatively resilient.
  • the width of the slot 18 or 20 is greater than the distance between the side walls 47 but less than the distance between the shoulders 55.
  • the deck element 14 thereby is able to move transversely relative to stringer 12 with a certain degree of resilient freedom until the side edges of slot 18 or 20 engage the respective side wall 47 of the clip 46, at which point further transverse movement is prevented.
  • the slot 18 or 20 is only marginally wider than the distance between the side walls 47 so that the side walls 47 engage the slot edges and thereby contribute to overall rigidity.
  • This assembly is superior to other assemblies in which panels are joined together since the deck elements 14 have a limited degree of resilient longitudinal freedom allowing them to resiliently absorb shock loads in that direction to prevent fracturing and damage to the elements while still providing a relatively rigid assembly in both the longitudinal and transverse directions.
  • FIGS. 1 to 4 The flexibility of the pallet structure of FIGS. 1 to 4 permits the pallet structure to absorb vibration and shocks and compensate for minor height and other dimensional variations within the pallet elements and the location of positioning of the pallets. These abilities contrast markedly with the very rigid structure of welded units, which are not able readily to absorb vibration and compensate for the dimensional and positioning variations.
  • FIGS. 5 to 7 there is illustrated therein a steel pallet 110 of modified construction with respect to the pallet 10 of FIGS. 1 to 4 and utilizing a modified form of clip 112 when compared with the clips 46.
  • the structure of the clips 112 is illustrated in detail in FIGS. 8 to 10
  • the pallet 110 constructed preferably of light gauge steel, more preferably corrosion resistant steel, for example, galvanized steel, includes three roll-formed elongate spaced stringer elements 114, a plurality of elongate roll-formed top deck-board elements 116 located in spaced apart relation with each other and extending transversely of the stringer elements, three spaced roll-formed hollow leg elements 118 depending from the stringer elements 114 and three elongate roll-formed bottom deck-board elements 120 connected to the lower ends of the leg elements 118.
  • the pallet construction 110 of FIGS. 5 to 7 differs from that of FIGS. 1 to 4 in that the welding operations and their time-consuming character required for construction of the stringer elements 12 of the pallet 10 are eliminated.
  • the component parts are held together by clips 112.
  • FIGS. 5 to 7 The numbers of stringer elements 114, deck-board elements 116 and 120 and hollow leg elements 118 illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7 are used to illustrate the principles of construction of the pallet 110. Any desired number of such elements may be used, depending on the size and intended use of the pallet.
  • FIGS. 5 to 7 While the illustrated structure of FIGS. 5 to 7 is described particularly with reference to the pallet parts being constructed of light gauge steel by roll-forming, the principles of construction outlined herein may be applied to pallet parts constructed of heavy gauge steel or other convenient material of construction, such as, aluminum, and may be formed by any other convenient fabrication technique, such as, extrusion.
  • the stringer elements 114 are elongate members having an elongate planar panel portion 122 receiving the deck-boards 116 thereon and integral depending side wall or skirt portions 124 defining with the underside of the panel portion 122 a leg receiving channel 126.
  • the side wall portions terminate in integral outwardly-directed perpendicular wall portions 128 which themselves terminate in integral upwardly-directed perpendicular wall portions 130 extending parallel to and for the height of the skirt portions 124, the wall portions 130 terminating in integral inwardly-directed flange portions 132 which provide additional bearing surfaces for the deck-forming elements 116.
  • the arrangement of integral wall portions 124, 128 and 130 and flange 132 define generally rectangularly-shaped elongate channels at each side of the planar panel portion 122.
  • the stringer elements 114 are provided with transverse elongate slots 134, formed through the panel portion 122.
  • the slots 134 have a narrower portion 136 adjacent the longitudinal ends thereof and a wider portion 138 extending between the narrower portions 136. The purpose of this construction will become apparent below.
  • Both the upper deck-board elements 116 and the lower deck-board elements 120 have the same structure although used in opposite orientations. The structure of these elements will be described with respect to the upper deck-board elements 116.
  • the upper deck-board elements 116 have a generally castellated cross-section which includes first and second elongate coplanar elements 140 and 142 which are joined by an integral member defining a channel 144 and including an elongate portion 146 situated in a plane parallel to the coplanar elements 140 and 142 to engage the upper surface of the planar portion 122 and the flange portions 132 of the stringer 114.
  • the deck-board elements 116 further include first and second upright elements 148 and 150 integrally joining the elongate portion 146 and the coplanar portions 140 and 142. Integral skirt portions 152 and 154 depend from the coplanar elements 140 and 142 respectively, generally perpendicularly thereto at the sides of the boards 116, for a distance substantially equal to the depth of the channel 144.
  • the skirt portions 152 and 154 are each provided with an indented elongate groove extending the length thereof to impart strength to the deck-board elements 116.
  • inwardly-directed flanges 156 and 158 are integrally-formed at the lower end of the skirt portions 152 and 154, integrally-formed inwardly-directed flanges 156 and 158, respectively, which extend the length of the skirt portions and extend coplanarly with the elongate portion 146.
  • the inwardly-directed flanges 156 and 158 define panels for engagement with the planar portions 122 and the flanges 132 of the stringer elements 114.
  • the panels defined by the flanges 156 and 158 are provided with an elongate slot 160 and a parallel cut-away notch 162.
  • the parallel cut-away notch 162 may be replaced by a second parallel elongate slot or the slot 160 may be moved closer to the edge of the flange 156 or 158 and the cut-away notch 162 eliminated.
  • the slot 160 and notch 162 are provided to receive portions of the unitary clip structure 112 for the purposes of mounting the same on the deck-forming element 116 (or 120).
  • Each leg element 118 consists of a generally rectangularly cross-sectioned member having its longer dimension vertical and is roll-formed from a single metal piece so that the ends 164 of the metal piece are very closely located to each other, and preferably in abutting relationship.
  • the side walls of the leg element 118 are waisted to impart structural strength thereto.
  • the leg elements 118 are received in abutting interference fit relationship with the channel 126 formed by the stringer elements 114, with the ends 164 being prevented from opening by entrapment in the channel 126.
  • Slots 166 of the same shape and form as and aligned with slots 134 are provided in the portion of the leg element 118 abutting the underside of the panel portion 122 to receive the clips 112 therethrough.
  • Slots 168 are provided in the lower surface of the leg element 118 of the same shape and form as slots 166 to receive therethrough the clips 112 mounted on lower deck-board elements 120 to assemble the lower deck-board elements 120 with the remainder of the pallet.
  • the spaced leg elements 118 may be provided as a continuous leg element extending from one extremity of the stringer element 114 to the other.
  • each clip 112 constructed of suitable resilient material, preferably spring steel, has a generally U-shaped body 170 and a pair of oppositely facing jaws 172 located at the upper extremities of the body 170 for gripping the elongate metal strip 174 of substantially constant width located between the slot 160 and the cut-away notch 162 to hold the clip element 112 to the flange 156 or 158.
  • the jaw elements 172 also include integral diverging wing members 176 to facilitate assembly of the clip element 112 to the deck board elements 116 or 120.
  • the arms 178 of the U-shaped body 170 converge slightly towards the jaw element end thereof when the clip element 112 is in its rest or non-deformed position (see FIG. 10) but are generally parallel to each other when mounted to the flanges 156 and 158 to add to the resiliency of the grip mounting of the clip element 112 on the deck-board 116 or 120, as may be in FIG. 7.
  • the arms 178 of the U-shaped body 170 are each provided with a cantilevered wing element, or ramp element 180 a transverse dimension substantially the length of the wider portion 138 of the slot 134.
  • the ramp element 180 diverges outwardly from the contour of the respective body arm 178 in the direction away from the U-bend or bight portion of the body 170 and then has an inwardly turned portion 182 extending from a shoulder 184 towards the adjacent jaw 172 to terminate in planar alignment with the lower surface of the jaw 172, as may be seen from FIGS. 8 and 10.
  • the shoulders 184 are spaced apart a distance greater than the transverse dimension of the slot 134.
  • a locking tab 186 is provided extending oppositely from the portion 182 for a short distance towards the adjacent jaw 172.
  • the body portion 170 has cut-aways 188 at each longitudinal extremity adjacent the bight portion thereof to assist in location and assembly of the pallet elements. Such cut-aways may be omitted, if desired.
  • the clip 112 is mounted to the deck-board member 116 or 120 by engaging the wing members 176 with the slot 160 and notch 162 and pushing the clip 112 towards the flange element 156 or 158 to spread the jaw elements 172 apart until the sides of the metal strip 174 pass the shoulder defined by the jaw elements 172 and the wing elements 176, whereupon the jaws 172 of the clip 112 snap into resilient engagement with the opposite sides of the metal strip 174.
  • Assembly of the deck-board members 116 and 120 with clips 112 attached thereto with the remainder of the pallet is initiated by locating, with the assistance of the cut-aways 188, the U-bend or bight portion of the clip 112 in the respective aligned elongate slot 134 and 166 of the stringer element 114 and the leg element 118 respectively, for the upper deck-board members 116 or into the respective openings 168 in the leg element 118 for the lower deck-board members 120.
  • the deck-board member 116 or 120 is then pushed towards the respective slots, so that the side edges of the wider portions 138 of the respective slots engage the wing or ramp elements 180 resiliently forcing them inwardly towards the remainder of the body member 170 until the side edges of the openings clear the shoulders 184.
  • the ramp elements 180 then resiliently snap back towards the original position to prevent removal of the clip member 112 from the respective slot.
  • the inwardly-turned portions 182 extend into engagement with the side edges of the wider portion 138 of the slots while the remainder of the transverse length of the body portion 178 engages the narrow portion 136 of the slots.
  • the locking tabs 186 result in a substantially permanent assembly.
  • the clips 112 assemble the upper deck-board member 116 with the stringer element 114 and the leg member 118.
  • the clips 112 also assemble the lower deck-boards 120 with the leg member 118.
  • the clips 112 used in the pallet structure of FIGS. 5 to 7, impart rigidity and limited resiliency characteristics to the pallet 110 similar to those imparted by the clips 46 in the pallet 10 of FIGS. 1 to 4 and discussed in more detail above with respect thereto.
  • the clips 112 differ from clips 46, however, in important and beneficial respects.
  • the clips 112 have divergent wing flanges or elements 176 to permit more ready and rapid mounting of the clips 112 on the deck-board members 116 and 120 than is the case with the clips 46.
  • the inwardly-directed portions 182 of the ramp elements 180 extend further inwardly than is the case for clips 46 so as to engage the slot walls.
  • This ramp element structure permits both the multiple metal thicknesses associated with assembly of the upper deck-boards 116 with the stringer elements 114 and the leg elements 118 and the lesser metal thickness associated with assembly of the lower deck-boards 120 with the leg elements 118 to be accommodated, which is not the case with clip 46.
  • the present invention provides steel pallet structures, clip structures for utilization therewith, and assemblies of parts applicable in other devices. Modifications are possible within the scope of the invention.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Pallets (AREA)
US06/032,743 1978-04-25 1979-04-24 Steel pallet construction Expired - Lifetime US4382414A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1628678 1978-04-25
GB16286/78 1978-04-25
GB27426/78 1978-06-20
GB7827426 1978-06-20
DE2915460 1979-04-17
DE2915460A DE2915460B2 (de) 1978-04-25 1979-04-17 Palette

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US4382414A true US4382414A (en) 1983-05-10

Family

ID=27187986

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US06/032,743 Expired - Lifetime US4382414A (en) 1978-04-25 1979-04-24 Steel pallet construction

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US4382414A (ja)
JP (1) JPS54142801A (ja)
CA (1) CA1121287A (ja)
DE (1) DE2915460B2 (ja)

Cited By (26)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4577444A (en) * 1983-09-02 1986-03-25 Sanderson Dewey S C Changeable wall panel structure
US5211117A (en) * 1991-09-11 1993-05-18 Lorin Industries, Inc. Pallet assembly
US5416954A (en) * 1993-03-19 1995-05-23 Nei/Do-All Corporation Flexible fastener member having distributed spring action area
US5456189A (en) * 1993-10-06 1995-10-10 Cellular Technology Inc. Shipping pallet
US5842512A (en) * 1996-12-31 1998-12-01 International Electronic Research Corporation Heat sink assembly
US6354228B1 (en) 1994-09-02 2002-03-12 Mcphee Bruce Alexander Pallet formed from interlocking members
US6464191B1 (en) * 1999-03-12 2002-10-15 Warren Gerber Skid for supporting loads
WO2003008281A1 (en) * 2001-07-19 2003-01-30 Balmoral Technologies (Proprietary) Limited Pallet
US20030070594A1 (en) * 2001-09-10 2003-04-17 Isle Richard Belle Reusable shipping pallet formed from extruded plastic parts which are easily assembled and disassembled
US20030231939A1 (en) * 2002-06-14 2003-12-18 Lowry Joseph William Spring fastener having multifunctional barbs
US6691380B2 (en) 2001-07-31 2004-02-17 Eustathios Vassiliou Revocable Trust Fasteners of increased holding power
US6793439B1 (en) * 1998-10-09 2004-09-21 Aco Severin Ahlmann Gmbh & Co. Kg Securing device for a drainage channel
US6796006B2 (en) 2002-04-25 2004-09-28 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Rib clip
US20050023667A1 (en) * 2003-07-29 2005-02-03 Advanced Semiconductor Engineering, Inc. Multi-chips module package and manufacturing method thereof
US20050028328A1 (en) * 2002-08-01 2005-02-10 Lowry Joseph William Spring fastener having stabilizing barbs
US20050160568A1 (en) * 2002-03-21 2005-07-28 Aavid Thermalloy, Llc Support clip
US20050250068A1 (en) * 2002-05-28 2005-11-10 Lubera Daniel J Low insertion effort fastener with offset for wing
US20060159515A1 (en) * 2003-06-25 2006-07-20 Aco Severin Ahlmann Gmbh & Co. Kg Surface water drainage system
US20070245932A1 (en) * 2006-04-24 2007-10-25 Worthington Steelpac Systems Metal pallet
US7469643B2 (en) 2002-09-09 2008-12-30 Richard Belle Isle Reusable shipping pallet formed from extruded plastic parts which are easily assembled and disassembled
US20090000524A1 (en) * 2005-07-11 2009-01-01 Claes Nordstrom Loading Pallet
WO2012035358A1 (en) * 2010-09-17 2012-03-22 Catherine Tanner A fastener and a fastenable assembly of members
US8651028B2 (en) * 2011-12-17 2014-02-18 Chep Technology Pty Limited Separble block shipping platform
CN104118623A (zh) * 2014-07-01 2014-10-29 金莉丽 拉杆组装式托盘
JP2021165173A (ja) * 2020-04-06 2021-10-14 グリーン プラス カンパニー，リミテッド 組み立て式アルミニウムパレット
WO2024107825A1 (en) * 2022-11-15 2024-05-23 Cakeboxx Technologies, Llc Extendable high-capacity intermodal transport platform

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0018851A1 (en) * 1979-05-07 1980-11-12 Eaton Corporation Clip
AT407869B (de) 1997-10-22 2001-07-25 Hofmaninger Franz Dr Palette oder vielwegpalette sowie verfahren zur herstellung einer palette
AT2475U1 (de) * 1997-10-22 1998-11-25 Hofmaninger Franz Dr Palette oder vielwegpalette sowie verfahren zur herstellung einer palette

Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2128005A (en) * 1937-06-25 1938-08-23 Albert H Tinnerman Hammer-driven supporting device
US2154712A (en) * 1937-03-22 1939-04-18 John H Van Uum Self-locking securing device
US2659950A (en) * 1950-08-14 1953-11-24 Charles D West Trim molding fastening means and method
US2908955A (en) * 1957-05-06 1959-10-20 Metal Decking Corp Metal fastening clip
US3094950A (en) * 1960-02-02 1963-06-25 Dexion Ltd Pallets
FR1402266A (fr) * 1964-07-06 1965-06-11 Raymond A Agrafe élastique
GB1037172A (en) * 1961-09-12 1966-07-27 Phoenix Timber Company Ltd Improvements relating to wall or ceiling constructions
US3998018A (en) * 1975-03-31 1976-12-21 Kaiser Cement & Gypsum Corporation Wall panel mounting system
US4077334A (en) * 1976-07-30 1978-03-07 Extrados Company Limited Pallet construction
DE2648467A1 (de) * 1976-10-26 1978-04-27 Springfix Befestigungstechnik Befestigungsklammer fuer die befestigung von glatten bolzen an plattenartigen bauteilen

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5235667Y2 (ja) * 1972-06-20 1977-08-13
JPS5119773U (ja) * 1974-07-31 1976-02-13

Patent Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2154712A (en) * 1937-03-22 1939-04-18 John H Van Uum Self-locking securing device
US2128005A (en) * 1937-06-25 1938-08-23 Albert H Tinnerman Hammer-driven supporting device
US2659950A (en) * 1950-08-14 1953-11-24 Charles D West Trim molding fastening means and method
US2908955A (en) * 1957-05-06 1959-10-20 Metal Decking Corp Metal fastening clip
US3094950A (en) * 1960-02-02 1963-06-25 Dexion Ltd Pallets
GB1037172A (en) * 1961-09-12 1966-07-27 Phoenix Timber Company Ltd Improvements relating to wall or ceiling constructions
FR1402266A (fr) * 1964-07-06 1965-06-11 Raymond A Agrafe élastique
US3998018A (en) * 1975-03-31 1976-12-21 Kaiser Cement & Gypsum Corporation Wall panel mounting system
US4077334A (en) * 1976-07-30 1978-03-07 Extrados Company Limited Pallet construction
DE2648467A1 (de) * 1976-10-26 1978-04-27 Springfix Befestigungstechnik Befestigungsklammer fuer die befestigung von glatten bolzen an plattenartigen bauteilen

Cited By (40)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4577444A (en) * 1983-09-02 1986-03-25 Sanderson Dewey S C Changeable wall panel structure
US5211117A (en) * 1991-09-11 1993-05-18 Lorin Industries, Inc. Pallet assembly
US5416954A (en) * 1993-03-19 1995-05-23 Nei/Do-All Corporation Flexible fastener member having distributed spring action area
US5456189A (en) * 1993-10-06 1995-10-10 Cellular Technology Inc. Shipping pallet
US6354228B1 (en) 1994-09-02 2002-03-12 Mcphee Bruce Alexander Pallet formed from interlocking members
US5842512A (en) * 1996-12-31 1998-12-01 International Electronic Research Corporation Heat sink assembly
US6793439B1 (en) * 1998-10-09 2004-09-21 Aco Severin Ahlmann Gmbh & Co. Kg Securing device for a drainage channel
US6464191B1 (en) * 1999-03-12 2002-10-15 Warren Gerber Skid for supporting loads
WO2003008281A1 (en) * 2001-07-19 2003-01-30 Balmoral Technologies (Proprietary) Limited Pallet
US6691380B2 (en) 2001-07-31 2004-02-17 Eustathios Vassiliou Revocable Trust Fasteners of increased holding power
US20030070594A1 (en) * 2001-09-10 2003-04-17 Isle Richard Belle Reusable shipping pallet formed from extruded plastic parts which are easily assembled and disassembled
US20070209558A1 (en) * 2001-09-10 2007-09-13 Isle Richard B Reusable shipping pallet formed from extruded plastic parts which are easily assembled and disassembled
US6954982B2 (en) 2001-09-10 2005-10-18 Richard Belle Isle Reusable shipping pallet formed from extruded plastic parts which are easily assembled and disassembled
US20050160568A1 (en) * 2002-03-21 2005-07-28 Aavid Thermalloy, Llc Support clip
US6796006B2 (en) 2002-04-25 2004-09-28 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Rib clip
US20050250068A1 (en) * 2002-05-28 2005-11-10 Lubera Daniel J Low insertion effort fastener with offset for wing
US7725991B2 (en) * 2002-05-28 2010-06-01 Newfrey Llc Low insertion effort fastener with offset for wing
US6899498B2 (en) * 2002-06-14 2005-05-31 E. Vassiliou Rev. Trust Spring fastener having multifunctional barbs originating at the lower side of the head
US6848874B2 (en) * 2002-06-14 2005-02-01 Joseph William Lowry Spring fastener having multifunctional barbs
US6835037B2 (en) * 2002-06-14 2004-12-28 E. Vasiliou Revocable Trust Spring fastener having multifunctional barbs of various lengths
US20040115029A1 (en) * 2002-06-14 2004-06-17 Lowry Joseph William Spring fastener having multifunctional barbs of various lengths
US20040115028A1 (en) * 2002-06-14 2004-06-17 Lowry Joseph William Spring fastener having multifunctional barbs originating at the side neck or leg portion
US20040086357A1 (en) * 2002-06-14 2004-05-06 Lowry Joseph William Spring fastener having multifunctional barbs originating at the lower side of the head
US20030231939A1 (en) * 2002-06-14 2003-12-18 Lowry Joseph William Spring fastener having multifunctional barbs
US7572089B2 (en) 2002-08-01 2009-08-11 Termax Corporation Spring fastener having stabilizing barbs
US20050028328A1 (en) * 2002-08-01 2005-02-10 Lowry Joseph William Spring fastener having stabilizing barbs
US7469643B2 (en) 2002-09-09 2008-12-30 Richard Belle Isle Reusable shipping pallet formed from extruded plastic parts which are easily assembled and disassembled
US20060159515A1 (en) * 2003-06-25 2006-07-20 Aco Severin Ahlmann Gmbh & Co. Kg Surface water drainage system
US7524133B2 (en) * 2003-06-25 2009-04-28 Aco Severin Ahlmann Gmbh & Co. Kg Surface water drainage system
US20050023667A1 (en) * 2003-07-29 2005-02-03 Advanced Semiconductor Engineering, Inc. Multi-chips module package and manufacturing method thereof
US20090000524A1 (en) * 2005-07-11 2009-01-01 Claes Nordstrom Loading Pallet
US7987796B2 (en) * 2005-07-11 2011-08-02 Crossborder Technologies Ab Loading pallet
US20090205540A1 (en) * 2006-04-24 2009-08-20 Worthington Steelpac Systems Metal pallet
US20070245932A1 (en) * 2006-04-24 2007-10-25 Worthington Steelpac Systems Metal pallet
WO2012035358A1 (en) * 2010-09-17 2012-03-22 Catherine Tanner A fastener and a fastenable assembly of members
US8651028B2 (en) * 2011-12-17 2014-02-18 Chep Technology Pty Limited Separble block shipping platform
CN104118623A (zh) * 2014-07-01 2014-10-29 金莉丽 拉杆组装式托盘
WO2016000360A1 (zh) * 2014-07-01 2016-01-07 金莉丽 快装式拉杆组装托盘
JP2021165173A (ja) * 2020-04-06 2021-10-14 グリーン プラス カンパニー，リミテッド 組み立て式アルミニウムパレット
WO2024107825A1 (en) * 2022-11-15 2024-05-23 Cakeboxx Technologies, Llc Extendable high-capacity intermodal transport platform

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA1121287A (en) 1982-04-06
DE2915460B2 (de) 1981-01-15
JPS54142801A (en) 1979-11-07
DE2915460A1 (de) 1979-10-31

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US4382414A (en) Steel pallet construction
EP0006366B1 (en) Pallet construction
US4145976A (en) Pallet construction
US2973931A (en) Dual purpose nesting type pallets
US5463786A (en) Weldless grating for bridge decks
US4545490A (en) Safety steel angle assembly rack
AU641745B2 (en) Office space dividing system
US4028858A (en) Deck block
CA1076496A (en) Metal pallet
GB2252953A (en) Pallet for forklift
US3927624A (en) Knock down pallet
US4144689A (en) Joint for interconnecting panels
EP0018851A1 (en) Clip
US7059617B1 (en) Dolly
US5613614A (en) Storage rack
CA1141683A (en) Spring clip element
US4350459A (en) Structural members
US5694863A (en) Structure of a pallet
EP0004196B1 (en) Bracket assembly
WO1996007594A1 (en) Pallet formed from interlocking members
KR200320244Y1 (ko) 조립식 선반틀
JPH0747324Y2 (ja) パレット
JPH0140846Y2 (ja)
US4864794A (en) Elements for a modular system for the assembly of furniture, containers, partitions or the like
JPH0311325Y2 (ja)

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STCF Information on status: patent grant

Free format text: PATENTED CASE